The Art of Continuity: Beth Novak on Leading Spottswoode Estate
In Conversation with Tom Owtram
When Beth Novak Milliken joined her mother at Spottswoode Estate in the early 1980s, the family’s first Cabernet Sauvignon was still ageing in barrels beneath their home. What began as a small, hands-on project has since become one of Napa Valley’s most respected wineries – recognised as much for its integrity as for its wines.
Over more than forty years, Beth has helped shape Spottswoode’s direction with a values-driven approach. Under her leadership, the estate has grown without compromise, staying true to its founding principles of care for the land, community, and people behind the wines.
In this conversation, she reflects on her path into the family business, the influence of her mother’s example, and how humility and stewardship continue to define Spottswoode’s identity.
A pathway into wine
You joined Spottswoode at a time of transition – for your family and for Napa Valley. What shaped your decision to step into the business, and how did you begin to make the role your own?
I graduated from UCLA in 1983, having gone there from St. Helena High School. Though one does not recognize how one becomes attached to a place in one’s youth, being raised here meant that I was exposed to wine and grape growing from an early age. It somehow seeps in, takes root.
I was fortunate that I made the decision to spend my junior year abroad in Salzburg, Austria – a transformative experience for me. It was there, where I could legally drink and where we traveled so much, that I recognized how interesting wine was.
I never envisioned a return to Napa Valley – my first job out of university was with a wine broker in San Francisco (nothing to do with Spottswoode – we had not yet released our first vintage of Cabernet, which was in barrel in the basement of my family home). I sold wine for a number of years in the Bay Area, worked then with computers for a bit, and then my mom asked me if I wished to join her on a part-time basis at the winery. I said yes, and within a month it was a full-time commitment. I have never looked back and feel deeply fortunate that I was able to help my mom build this business.
Lessons in leadership
Your mother, Mary Novak, played a defining role in Spottswoode’s early years. What lessons did you take from her leadership, and how have they influenced your own approach over time?
My mom practiced patience and humility. Never having been in business prior, she dug in and got things done, with little ownership. Which is to say, she was happy to share the duties, to have me take things on and grow.
I am very much about a style of leadership that brings everyone in – that is inclusive and democratic. I treat people as I would wish to be treated, with the belief that one hires good people and allows them to do their job with guidance, but without micromanagement.
Yvon Chouinard is my hero. His book Let My People Go Surfing, and his overall business ethic, have informed my approach.
Defining progress
Spottswoode has grown steadily but never rushed. How do you think about progress – in the vineyard, in the business, and in how you lead?
We have grown organically over the years, staying true to ourselves and to our core, which is farming with the greatest care for the natural environment and crafting wines that authentically reflect both time (vintage) and place (our estate vineyard).
We have been intentional with our growth, nearly always doing so with what we have, not carrying debt. The most important thing has always been to protect and preserve our estate, retain its integrity, and retain Novak family ownership.
Sustainability in practice
You’ve long been ahead of the curve on sustainability – from early organic certification to B Corp status. What does that commitment look like behind the scenes, in the small decisions as well as the big ones?
We have a team that believes wholeheartedly in what we do here; we have a real reason for being, a why. We care for people, for planet, for place.
We are a recognized leader in being exceptional stewards of our land, of our community, of those who work with us, and of those with whom we work. Relationships are deeply important to us. We are well respected, which has been hard-earned and is, I think, well deserved.
As a team, we work to do the right thing. In doing this, we not only are the change – we inspire others. This is deeply gratifying.
Culture and continuity
Sustainability often begins in the vineyard, but it doesn’t end there. How has it shaped your thinking around culture, partnerships, and long-term planning?
Our culture is unique, based upon being humble, grounded, and committed to the health of the whole – our holistic approach to all we do.
Identity and evolution
Spottswoode has a clear identity – elegant, consistent, grounded. How do you protect that identity while continuing to grow and adapt?
I am so grateful to have you write here that Spottswoode has a clear identity. I love the words you use for us.
We stay true to those words, operating our business and crafting wines in a manner that exudes elegance, consistency, and groundedness. Humility is a key part of this.
We feel fortunate to be part of this history and to carry on this legacy.
Wine and wider responsibility
Wine is increasingly part of a wider conversation about climate, agriculture, and cultural values. Where do you see Spottswoode’s place in that landscape?
I see Spottswoode as an agent of good – of change that others can look to in terms of how to best operate a business, using business for good.
We are grape growers first and foremost; we are tied to the land. We are reliant on a relatively stable climate to grow the finest grapes each year. This stability no longer exists – due to climate change, we face extremes.
We are building resilience into our system with our organic, biodynamic, and regenerative organic practices. We are committed to this place, to our winegrowing estate, to all that we have here.
Stewardship and strategy
You’ve described your role as both steward and strategist. How do you know when to hold firm and when it’s time to evolve?
I hold firm on our culture – that being one of inclusion, of valuing and inviting input, and of operating in a respectful manner where each person is valued. I will not allow this to be jeopardized ever.
As to evolution, we constantly evolve, and we must be open to learning. When we hire new people, we get great new approaches and ideas. The perspectives brought by the various ages here are fascinating.
I am energized by what comes our way through our collaborative process, the ideas and commitment.
Women and leadership
There are still relatively few women in roles like yours. Has that influenced how you lead, or how you think about what leadership should look like in the future?
I wish there were more women leading wine businesses. We have made progress, but perhaps not enough. Humans are overall slow to evolve.
In truth, while I am very aware that I am female, and while I celebrate that, I feel as if leadership such as that which I espouse is not “female,” per se. Yvon Chouinard carries a caring culture through his very large company.
I believe we should all care, and carry this with us each day.
Connection to place
And finally, what keeps you close to the work – the land, the people, the responsibility, or something else entirely?
My connection to Spottswoode is deep. I am literally getting tears in my eyes as I write this – I am emotionally and even spiritually connected to this place. It is part of me, part of my core, and I care about it deeply.
I also care about my co-workers, the people with whom I am fortunate enough to work. And I care about those with whom we do business – our partners. Relationships are so important.
I love all we stand for, all that we do, and I genuinely appreciate the opportunity to carry forward, for my co-workers and for future generations of the Novak family, what my mom started and what she and I built together – with the help of many others, including my sister, Lindy Novak.